When reflecting on my research, I realize how challenging I found it. When I began, my idea was far too broad, my research areas were too large, and I had far too many variables. As I progressed, I was forced to re-asses my approach, specify my ideas, narrow my research areas, and minimize the variables. This caused a large change in my experiment, but created a much deeper understanding for myself, and future experiments. Initially, I was interested in the effects of backyard gardening on local wildlife. This developed into a much more specific focus, and count of local birds within specific areas of my yard, that had appealing characteristics to local wildlife (birdhouse, birdfeeder, lawn/ strawberry patch). Initially I had divided my study area into 3 large sections of my front yard. This was a far too large (and non-specific area) that I modified and scaled down to much more manageable portions of approx 2ft by 2ft, or 4ft by 6ft (slight variations). I initially believed that as my field data progressed, I could include the addition of birdseed, water, and nesting materials to reflect the changes in local wildlife when resources were present. I had to remove these changes, as additions of animal attractants are not permitted. I also found that I struggled with the variables of my experiment (temperature, wind, other animal cycles, presence of humans/ other animals).
I found that I had many difficulties developing, executing and assessing my experiment. Overall, I have discovered a much deeper appreciation for the development of ecological theory.